If you’re looking to enhance your waves, you’re in the right place!
I’ve put together a list of wave-enhancing and defining products to help you achieve your best wavy hair ever.
I go even further into choosing prodcuts in my Curly Hair Masterclass.
These are cult products, let’s look at why!
–This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you buy any of the products through the links provided. It doesn’t affect the price you pay and helps to run this website. Thank you x
Mousse
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air Dry Waves Styling Foam
This mousse is a fantastic product for a number of reasons.
It is very light and great for creating MAX volume
This mousse is also fantastic for giving hair volume when used with a diffuser. It works when applied all over your hair, but on occasion, I have applied it just at the roots to give added lift.
Another bonus is the price. John Frieda makes a range of great, affordable products for curly and wavy hair.
Creams and Balms
Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm
I was late to the Curlsmith party, and sometimes I think about the years of Curlsmith-free hair that I went through before I finally tried it.
For a soft-hold wave-definition cream, I don’t think this can be beaten. It’s light, creamy and distributes beautifully.
The attention that Curlsmith give to their products is evident here. The product is free from parabens, silicones, mineral oils and phthalates. The ingredients are organic, cruelty-free and vegan,
What it does contain is a list of natural, moisturising ingredients.
The ingredients list is so good that this cream can double up as a leave-in conditioner.
We’ve got Cetearyl alcohol (a ‘good’ moisturising alcohol), coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe vera leaf extract and olive oil to name a few.
The price point is high but I think this is one of the occasions when you get what you pay for. Ingredients like aloe vera don’t come cheap.
Due to the light nature of this cream, it is also perfect for layering under other wavy hair products. I have tried it underneath mousse and gel. It works particularly well under gel, and this is now one of my preferred product combinations.
Bumble & Bumble Don’t Blow It Fine (H)air Styler
I haven’t got the space on my site to talk about how much I love this product!
It was a game-changer for me during my transition to wearing my hair curly/wavy.
Do you want to stop using heat on your hair?
Do you still want to give your waves definition?
This is it.
A one-of-a-kind product that will do just that.
When I first started leaving my hair in its natural state I spend months with frizzy, undefined hair. I didn’t want to risk any damage by using heat, so I just left it.
I discovered this product which is designed to tackle exactly that situation.
You use it on wet hair and then..leave it. ‘Great hair days without the heat or hassle’ is the line on the tube and it is spot on.
It also contain protein – hydrolyzed soy protein.
It made a huge difference and helped me discover my natural hair texture.
As you hair air dries it enhances and defines your natural texture. Your hair also feels product-free.
They make versions for both fine and thick hair. I have tried the ‘Fine (H)air Styler’.
Gel
This is all about defining wavy hair.
Boucleme makes 2 different gels. This is the one that gives the strongest hold. If you are looking for a gel to enhance and hold waves or looser curls, this is a winner.
Scrunch it into wet hair and then scrunch away the cast once your hair is completely dry.
It is vegan and 99% naturally derived. The key active ingredients include chia seed, blue agave, kahai oil and linseed.
The presence of chia seeds means that this product will not only style your hair, it will also protect it too. Chia seeds are high in amino acids (proteins) that are known to strengthen hair. This reduces the chances of hair being damaged by styling.
Oil
Ok, so this isn’t a styling product, but it is an incredibly useful addition to any wavy hair routine.
First of all, the oil contains the patented Olaplex ingredient Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. This is the ingredient that re-forms bonds broken within the hair due to over-processing such as colouring.
In addition to this, it also protects from heat so you can diffuse knowing that your hair is protected.
It also blocks UV rays which can damage the protein structure of your hair, and reduces frizz while smelling incredible.
How should you use it?
It can be used in a number of ways. You can apply it to wet hair before using heat, or on dry hair once you have finished styling. I recommend putting a drop on your hands before scrunching out a gel cast. You will smooth any frizz and add shine this way.
The bottle releases a measured drop so you don’t need to worry about using too much.
The oil is also vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free and phtalate-free.
Are these products CGM approved?
Not all of the above products are Curly Girl Method approved, but that needn’t put you off.
Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Styling Balm – Yes
Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It Fine (H)air Styler – No (contains silicones)
John Frieda Dream Curls Mousse – Yes
Boucleme Super Hold Styler – Yes
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil – No (contains silicones)
These wavy hair products are some of the best available for defining waves and looser curl patterns.
I hope this list makes your styling routine a little easier.
Don’t forget, you can always layer these products to achieve greater hold and definition. Creams and mousses can be layered under gels and the oil can be used as the first step on wet hair or as a last step to smooth.
The only product that I would recommend using on its own is the Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It because it is formulated in a specific way to act on its own.
Speak soon,
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I’m excited to try some these products! Could you provide some info on how you prefer to layer them?
Hi Amanda, thanks for your question. These are some of my absolute favourites! I would make Curlsmith Balm layer no. 1 as it can be used as a leave-in conditioner, too. Just use a really small amount. Then mousse as no. 2, then scrunch in a layer of gel as layer no. 3. If your hair is thicker or has a tendency to frizz on day 2/3 I would pop a couple of drops of Olaplex oil on dry hair at the end of your routine. I hope this helps x
what decently priced shampoose are recommended for curly hair
j
Hi, thanks for your question. I love Noughty products – the shampoos and conditioners are reasonably priced and really good (CGM approved, too). Cantu is great for thicker curly hair, too, as it is a little heavier. I hope this helps x